A First Glimpse into a Stormy Father-Son Relationship on the Silver Screen
The newly released Kaantha teaser offers a compelling introduction to a story shaped by artistic ambition, emotional trauma, and power struggles. Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the teaser gives audiences a window into a fictional 1950s Madras where cinema was evolving, but egos clashed harder than spotlights. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Samuthirakani as a son-father duo embroiled in a creative and emotional feud.
Released on July 28—coinciding with Dulquer Salmaan’s birthday—the teaser has already captured widespread attention. What begins as a promotional trailer for a film titled Saantha turns into a psychological and emotional warzone, setting up an unforgettable period drama that explores the cost of ambition and unresolved familial tension.
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Kaantha’s Teaser Reveals a Film-Within-Film Narrative Set in 1950s Madras
The Kaantha teaser starts within the fictional world of Modern Studios, where director Ayya (Samuthirakani) embarks on creating what is billed as Tamil and Telugu’s first horror film. Yet from the onset, conflict brews—not from the supernatural, but from within the family. Dulquer Salmaan’s character Chandran, Ayya’s son and the film’s leading man, has been molded by his father to be a cinematic star. However, the once-close relationship between mentor and protégé has clearly deteriorated.
While Chandran expresses deep respect for his father, the sentiment isn’t reciprocated. Ayya becomes aggressive, even throwing chairs and physically choking his son in a moment of rage. The rift deepens when the female lead (played by Bhagyashri Borse) is declared both the “hero and heroine” of the film. Feeling sidelined and insulted, Chandran fights back by renaming the project from Saantha to Kaantha—a symbolic rejection of his father’s authority.
Stellar Production Values Support the Vintage Visual Storytelling
The production values showcased in the Kaantha teaser reflect meticulous craftsmanship and artistic detail. Directed and written by Selvamani Selvaraj, the film’s period accuracy is brought to life through the expert lens of cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez, known for his work in Mahanati.
The editing is handled by Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalves, while the soundscape is designed by Allwin Rego, adding depth and realism to the teaser’s emotionally charged scenes. Art director Tha. Ramalingam recreates 1950s Madras with striking authenticity. The costumes, curated by Poojita Tadikonda, Archana Rao, and Harmann Kaur, blend vintage charm with theatrical drama, complementing the film’s layered narrative.
The haunting and evocative score by Jhanu Chanthar hints at a blend of drama, suspense, and internal struggle—all key themes in the film.
Social Media Hails the Kaantha Teaser as a Potential Game-Changer
Initial fan reactions to the Kaantha teaser have been overwhelmingly positive across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. Users praised both the bold narrative and Dulquer Salmaan’s choice of a complex role.
One user wrote, “Big fan of your Gemini Ganesan role in Mahanati. This one has the same vibe. Can’t wait.” Another added, “More than expected. Seems like another banger loading.” Viewers also applauded Samuthirakani’s powerful screen presence, calling the performance raw and emotionally charged.
Fans and critics alike believe the movie could become a landmark in period storytelling in South Indian cinema, especially due to its exploration of intergenerational conflict.
About the Film: An Ensemble Team Anchored by Stellar Performances
Produced by Rana Daggubati, Dulquer Salmaan, Prashanth Potluri, and Jom Varghese, Kaantha is a joint production of Spirit Media and Wayfarer Films. The film’s primary cast includes Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, and Bhagyashri Borse in lead roles, supported by a robust technical team.
Kaatha will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi, reaching a wide audience across the Indian subcontinent. The theatrical release is slated for September 12, 2025.
What sets Kaantha apart is not just the narrative or the performances—it’s the themes it explores. The film reflects a timeless tension between generations, especially in industries built on legacy, image, and control. It captures what happens when a protégé rebels against the very master who once shaped him.
With its gripping teaser, layered characters, and vintage flair, Kaantha promises to be more than a typical period drama. It’s a film about broken bonds, bruised egos, and the power struggles that can make—or destroy—art.
